Naval Financial Regulations 1926 (Amendment)

Overview

The Statutory Rules 1928, No. 87, under the Naval Defence Act 1910-1918, were enacted to address the need for updating the Naval Financial Regulations, particularly in relation to allowances and pay for members of the Permanent Naval Forces. The regulations were formulated by the Deputy of the Governor-General, with the advice of the Federal Executive Council, and came into operation immediately unless otherwise specified. The objective of these regulations is to provide clarity and adjustments to financial allowances and pay rates for various ranks and ratings within the naval forces, ensuring equitable compensation for duties performed both domestically and abroad, including adjustments to kit upkeep allowance, travelling allowance, and meal allowances for members travelling on duty.

Scope and Application

The Regulations under the Naval Defence Act 1910-1918, as amended by Statutory Rules 1928, No. 87, apply to members of the Permanent Naval Forces, specifically those who are sea-going. The amendments, effective from 1st October 1928, primarily concern financial regulations, including kit upkeep allowances, travelling allowances, and meal allowances for these personnel. These regulations cover both their domestic travel within Australia and their travel in Great Britain, where they are entitled to the same accommodation class as ratings of the Royal Navy. The Act applies to the Commonwealth of Australia, reflecting a federal legislative scope. The regulations do not explicitly state any exclusions or thresholds but are contingent on specific conditions such as rank, length of service, and circumstances of travel. Further application and enforcement of these regulations may be detailed in subordinate instruments or subsequent amendments, which may extend or restrict the scope of the Act.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of the Statutory Rules 1928, No. 87, amend and introduce various financial regulations under the Naval Defence Act 1910-1918. Regulation 34 (1) revises the Kit Upkeep Allowance rates for different categories of naval personnel, such as Chief Petty Officers and Petty Officers, effective from 1 October 1928 (section 1). Regulation 35 (1) modifies the amounts payable for various categories of naval personnel, replacing previous figures with new rates (section 2). Regulation 92 (1) updates the travelling allowance rates for members of the Permanent Naval Forces (Sea-going) based on rank or rating, and applies to travel on duty or detached for temporary duty (section 3). Regulation 93 is repealed and replaced with a new regulation (section 4) that provides meal allowance rates for naval personnel travelling on duty or detached for temporary duty without necessitating an overnight absence from their ships or temporary headquarters. A new regulation 93a (section 5) introduces special arrangements for meal supply in certain circumstances, where payment of travelling allowances is not required. Regulation 103 (1a) specifies that when travelling in Great Britain, Chief Petty Officers and other ratings shall travel in the class of accommodation allowed for ratings of the Royal Navy (section 6). Regulation 140 (1) establishes a scale for granting leave of absence on full pay for personnel with less than twenty years of continuous service, immediately prior to retirement (section 7). The obligations imposed by these regulations require naval personnel to adhere to the specified rates and conditions for Kit Upkeep Allowance, travelling allowances, meal allowances, and leave of absence. The regulations also mandate that special arrangements for meal supply should be made where more economical means are possible, and that Chief Petty Officers and other ratings should travel in the class of accommodation allowed for ratings of the Royal Navy when travelling in Great Britain. The Naval Board is tasked with granting leave of absence on full pay for eligible personnel based on the specified scale. The regulations do not explicitly outline offences, penalties, or civil/criminal consequences for breaches. However, non-compliance with these financial regulations could potentially result in disciplinary action or other consequences as per the broader provisions of the Naval Defence Act 1910-1918. It is advisable for naval personnel and relevant authorities to ensure adherence to these regulations to avoid any potential repercussions.